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Aquarium of the Bay: Discover San Francisco's Underwater World

Explore the wonders of the San Francisco Bay's marine life at Pier 39's Aquarium of the Bay, a conservation and education hub.

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Located on Pier 39, Aquarium of the Bay offers an immersive experience into the marine life of the San Francisco Bay. With over 20,000 local marine animals, including sharks, rays, and river otters, the aquarium is dedicated to conservation and education, making it a memorable and educational experience for the whole family.

A brief summary to Aquarium of the Bay

  • Monday 10 am-4:30 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-5 pm
  • Friday 10 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Purchase tickets online in advance to skip the line, especially during peak season and holidays.
  • Visit during the first hour or the last two hours of the day to avoid crowds.
  • Check the daily schedule for animal feedings and presentations to enhance your visit.
  • Dine at a participating Pier 39 restaurant to receive one hour of free validated parking in the Pier 39 Garage.
  • Take public transportation to avoid parking hassles, as Pier 39 is easily accessible by MUNI buses and streetcars.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From downtown San Francisco, take the MUNI F-Line streetcar or the 8-Bayshore, 30-Stockton, 39-Coit, or 49-Van Ness/Mission buses to Pier 39. The Embarcadero & Stockton St is the nearest bus stop. A single ride on MUNI costs $3. Alternatively, BART riders can transfer to the F-Line at the Embarcadero station.

  • Walking

    From the Ferry Building, walk along The Embarcadero towards Pier 39. The walk is approximately 1.2 miles and takes about 23 minutes. Enjoy the waterfront views as you head north. Follow the signs for Pier 39 and Fisherman's Wharf.

  • Ferry

    Take the Blue & Gold Fleet ferry from Sausalito to Pier 41, which is a short walk from Pier 39. The ferry ride is approximately 30 minutes. Purchase tickets at the Pier 39 box office or online. A one-way fare is $14.25 for adults.

  • Driving

    From the East Bay, take I-80 West across the Bay Bridge and exit at Harrison Street. Stay in the far left lane and go three blocks to The Embarcadero. From the South Bay, take Highway 101 North to Highway 80 East and exit at 4th Street. Stay left onto Bryant Street and continue to The Embarcadero. Turn left onto The Embarcadero. Parking is available at the Pier 39 Garage, with hourly rates around $10-$12 and a maximum daily rate of $50-$60. A special $40/day rate is offered Monday–Thursday for vehicles entering after 3:00 PM and exiting before 10:00 AM. Limited validated parking is available at participating restaurants.

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Discover more about Aquarium of the Bay

Aquarium of the Bay, situated on Pier 39, provides an up-close look at the diverse marine ecosystem of the San Francisco Bay. Opened as UnderWater World on April 19, 1996, the aquarium faced early financial challenges before being rebranded as Aquarium of the Bay in 2001. Today, it stands as a leading center for marine conservation and education. The aquarium features several exhibits, including the iconic walk-through tunnels totaling 300 feet in length, holding over 700,000 gallons of filtered water from the San Francisco Bay. These tunnels offer visitors a unique perspective on the underwater world, with sharks, bat rays, and schools of fish swimming all around. In addition to the tunnel exhibits, Aquarium of the Bay also features touch pools where visitors can interact with sea stars, bat rays, and other marine creatures. The aquarium is home to over 200 species, including playful river otters, mesmerizing jellyfish, and a giant Pacific octopus. As a Smithsonian Affiliate and certified Green Business, the aquarium is committed to protecting the San Francisco Bay and its watershed.

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